The case for being real (with receipts)

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The Case for Keeping Marketing Real (With Receipts)

Let me tell you a quick story about authenticity in action. I recently posted on LinkedIn about starting a Dad Run Club in Charleston. No fancy strategy. No growth hacks. Just the real story:

"Posted on Instagram. Did some marketing things (boosted a post). Showed up Tuesday ready to rock this community. What happened? Two friends came (one isn’t even a dad)."

That post outperformed most of my "polished" content.

Here's why authenticity wins in marketing:

1. Real Stories Cut Through Noise: • Skip the "crushing it" posts • Share actual results (even small ones) • Document the journey, not just the destination

2. Truth Builds Trust: • Show the work in progress • Celebrate small wins • Let people see behind the curtain

3. Community Over Metrics: • Two engaged followers > 1000 ghost followers • Real connections beat vanity metrics • Success starts with showing up

Why it works:

• People are growing tired of highlight reels

• Authenticity is rare in marketing

• Everyone starts somewhere

Your 30-minute action plan:

1. Look at your current marketing

2. Strip away the corporate speak

3. Tell one genuine story about your brand

Yes, we can (and should) use AI and new tech in our marketing. But remember - tools help us scale authenticity, not replace it.

Now go tell your real story. Even if only two people show up to hear it.

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